Royal Palace: Tickets and Tours

As the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the entire world, the Royal Palace of Madrid attracts millions of history lovers and architecture enthusiasts from around the globe each year.

Secure your Royal Palace of Madrid tickets so that you can experience its grand rooms and magnificent gardens for yourself. You may also be interested in a guided tour should you wish to learn more about the palace’s history during your time in the Spanish capital.

Here's all you need to know about the Royal Palace, one of the most exciting attractions in Madrid.

How much do Royal Palace tickets cost?

In order to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, you’ll need to purchase entry tickets that grant you access to the palace for the day.

• Adults: €12
• Children (aged 6 to 15): €6
• Children under 5: Free admission

Who is eligible for discounts?

The reduced rate of €6 per person is available for pensioners over 65 years old, as well as students who hold a valid national or international student card.

Is it possible to visit for free?

It is possible to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid for free on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 PM until 6 PM during winter and from 5 PM until 7 PM during summer. Just keep in mind that it can often be very busy during these times.

You can also visit the Royal Palace for free on the 18th of May, which is International Museum Day.

Should you book in advance?

While it is possible to buy tickets at the onsite ticket office on the day of your visit, it is always a good idea to book tickets online in advance. This allows you to skip the line, which can get quite long on busy days, thus saving you valuable time during your Madrid holiday.

What are the best Royal Palace tours?

Royal Palace Audio Tours

Audio guides allow you to explore the palace at your own pace, while still gaining valuable insight into the building’s history and its various exhibitions. You can choose between renting a tablet with the audio guide or simply downloading the guide onto your smartphone.

These informative audio tours provide an affordable way to upgrade your experience at the Royal Palace. The audio guides are available in multiple languages and offer an easy-to-use interface.

In-house Royal Palace Tours

The Royal Palace of Madrid offers in-house tours led by their knowledgeable Patrimonio Nacional staff. While many of these tours are offered in Spanish, there are also guided tours that take place in English. The tours cost an additional €4 on top of your ticket price.

It’s important to check the schedule ahead of time and arrive at least 15 minutes before the in-house guided tour is due to start. While tour groups can be quite large, you’ll still benefit from an insightful and informative experience.

Third-party Royal Palace Guided Tours

Third-party tours of the Royal Palace of Madrid are led by professional local tour guides who work for independent tour operators. When you book a third-party tour, you’ll usually meet your guide at a nearby landmark and get acquainted before you begin exploring the palace.

There are many different types of third-party tours available, including combination tours, private tours and tours that focus on specific areas of the Royal Palace of Madrid. As you have so many options available, you’re sure to find a tour that suits your preferences.

Private Guided Tours of Royal Palace

Private tours are a type of third-party tour in which you and your travel companions are the only tour participants. While these tours can be quite a bit more expensive than guided tours, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

You’ll get to focus on the areas of the palace that interest you most and choose a departure time that best suits your schedule. Your professional private guide will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you enjoy a quality experience.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including the Royal Palace and other attractions?

Make the most of your time in the Spanish capital by opting for combined tours that allow you to see multiple attractions in one day. Not only do these combined tours and tickets save you time, but they also save you money.

• Royal Palace of Madrid and Prado Museum tour: Visit two of Madrid’s most emblematic attractions, the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, with a professional local guide and immerse yourself in Spanish art, history and culture.
• Madrid walking tour with Royal Palace tickets: Take a leisurely stroll through Madrid’s picturesque city streets, stopping to admire various landmarks along the way. Your Madrid walking tour ends at the Royal Palace, where you’ll get to explore on your own or with a guide.
• Royal Palace tour with flamenco show, tapas and a drink: Discover the fascinating history of the Spanish royal family at the Royal Palace before visiting Torres Bermejas Tablao, where you’ll enjoy an incredible flamenco show in Madrid that includes tapas.
• Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace of Madrid tour: These two attractions are located right next door to each other, making them perfect for a combination tour that provides insight into Spanish history and culture.
• Royal Palace of Madrid and Cathedral of La Almudena tour: Visit two of Madrid’s most iconic sites when you join this guided tour of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of La Almudena.

What will you see inside?

Home to over 3,000 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest palaces in the world. While it was once the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, today the palace is used for a variety of state ceremonies.

The palace’s original structure was built between 860 and 880, but it has seen many improvements and renovations since then. Visiting the palace provides you with valuable insight into Spain’s fascinating history, traditions and culture.

Whether you visit with a guide or choose to explore on your own, you’ll find that there is plenty to see inside the Royal Palace.

Throne Room

The Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Madrid was finished being built in 1772. The main attraction is its impressive throne that is surrounded by intricate architecture, ornate furniture and beautiful chandeliers.

Royal Armory

Browsing through the weapons collection of the Royal Armoury, you’ll soon gain an understanding of Spain’s supremacy during the 16th century. The well-preserved weapons and other artifacts allow you to step back into another time.

Hall of Columns

Originally used as a banquet and ballroom hall, the Hall of Columns is a grand room that is now used for a number of state events. The room is named after its large columns that reach up to the room’s intricate ceiling.

Main Staircase

Built by Sabatini in 1789, the Grand Staircase is a large and imposing structure that has been carved from a single piece of San Agustin marble. Two lions sit on the end of the banisters, each carved by a different sculptor.

Gaspirini’s Hall

Also referred to as the room of King Carlos III, Gaspirini’s Hall is where the King would get dressed each day. The room is covered in intricate paintings by Gaspirini and is easily one of the most opulent rooms in the entire palace.

Royal Kitchen

Occupying a large portion of the first basement floor, the Royal Kitchen is filled with centuries-old cooking equipment that was once used to make meals for hundreds of guests at a time.

Gala Dining Room

Filled with intricate designs by Goya himself, the Gala Dining Room is a long room that is used to hold state dinners and various other events. The room is truly impressive and is actually the combination of three interior rooms.

Royal Chapel

The Royal Chapel is filled with intricate architectural details and features a large dome-like ceiling. Built in 1748, the chapel has an enigmatic atmosphere and is one of the places that visitors most look forward to seeing.

Hall of Halberdiers

Originally created with the intention of being a throne room, the Hall of Halberdiers is one of the grandest rooms in the Royal Palace. Today, the hall is often used for important events like official receptions and state ceremonies.

The Gardens

The gardens of the Royal Palace of Madrid are split up into two separate areas, namely the Jardins de Sabatini and Jardins del Campo del Moro. The gardens are filled with manicured hedges, water features, colorful flowers and peacocks.

How to get there?

The Royal Palace Madrid is located on Bailén Street in the western part of the city’s downtown area. The Opera metro station is just meters away from the palace and is where you should disembark if you use the underground metro.

In addition to the metro, you can reach the Royal Palace by bicycle, regular train or bus. If you’re staying in the downtown area, you could also walk to the palace.

What are the opening times?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is open from 10 AM until 6 PM between Monday and Saturday during the winter months of October through to March. The opening hours are from 10 AM until 7 PM during the summer months of April through to September.

On Sundays, the palace is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, with the last admissions for the day taking place an hour before closing time, so make sure you arrive before then.

The palace’s gardens are open every day from 10 AM until 7 PM.  The palace and its gardens may be closed on various days throughout the year due to official events or municipal holidays, such as New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is fully wheelchair-accessible thanks to its elevators, lifts and ramps. Manual wheelchairs are available at the entrance and those with proof of disability also receive free admission to the palace.

When is the best time to visit the Royal Palace?

The best time to visit the Royal Palace is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). These periods offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and pleasant temperatures. Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon helps avoid peak tourist times. National holidays and school vacation periods also tend to be busy.

Which other attractions can be visited in Madrid?

• Bernabeu Stadium
• Civitas Metropolitano
• Liria Palace
• Las Ventas Bullring
• Temple of Debod

Travel tips

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must as there's a lot of ground to cover. Dress respectfully, as it is a royal residence.
• Be aware of photography restrictions inside the palace. Flash photography and tripods are usually not allowed.
• There are cafes nearby, but carrying a water bottle and snacks can be handy, especially during warmer months.
• Be prepared for security checks at the entrance, similar to airport security. It's best to carry as little as possible to speed up the process.